Nirve Cruiser Owner's manual

Brand: Nirve

Model: Cruiser

Category: Bicycles

Type: Owner's manual

Bicycle Owner’s Manual

9th Edition, 2007

This manual meets EN Standards 14764, 14766 and 14781.

IMPORTANT:

This manual contains important safety, performance and service information.

Read it before you take the rst ride on your new bicycle, and keep it for

reference.

Additional safety, performance and service information for specic components

such as suspension or pedals on your bicycle, or for accessories such as

helmets or lights that you purchase, may also be available. Make sure that your

dealer has given you all the manufacturers’ literature that was included with

your bicycle or accessories. In case of a conict between the instructions in this

manual and information provided by a component manufacturer, always follow

the component manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for

your safety and consult with your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer.

NOTE:

This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance

manual. Please see your dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance. Your dealer

may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or books on bicycle use, service,

repair or maintenance.

Contents

GENERAL WARNING p. 1

Chemical warning / A special note to parents p. 2

1. First

A. Bike ﬁt p. 3

B. Safety ﬁrst p. 3

C. Mechanical Safety Check p. 3

D. First ride p. 5

2. Safety

A. The Basics p. 6

B. Riding Safety p. 7

C. Off Road Safety p. 8

D. Wet Weather Riding p. 8

E. Night Riding p. 9

F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding p. 10

G. Changing Components or Adding Accessories p. 11

3.Fit

A. Standover height p. 11

B. Saddle position p. 12

C. Handlebar height and angle p. 14

D. Control position adjustments p. 15

E. Brake reach p. 15

4. Tech

A. Wheels p. 16

1. secondary retention devices p. 18

2. Wheels with cam action systems p. 18

3. Removing and installing wheels p. 19

B. Seat post cam action clamp p. 22

C. Brakes p. 23

D. Shifting gears p. 25

E. Pedals p. 28

F. Bicycle Suspension p. 29

G. Tires and Tubes p. 30

5. Service

A. Service Intervals p. 32

B. If your bicycle sustains an impact p. 34

Appendix A: Intended Use p. 35

Appendix B: Lifespan of your bike and its components p. 41

Appendix C: Coaster Brakes p. 48

Appendix D: Fastener Torque Speciﬁcations p. 49

GENERAL WARNING:

Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to

ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know

— and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use

and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of

injury.

This Manual contains many “Warnings” and “Cautions” concerning the

consequences of failure to maintain or inspect your bicycle and of failure to follow

safe cycling practices.

• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word WARNING

indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in

serious injury or death.

• The combination of the safety alert symbol and the word CAUTION

indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in

minor or moderate injury, or is an alert against unsafe practices.

• The word CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a situation

which, if not avoided, could result in serious damage to the bicycle or the voiding

of your warranty.

Many of the Warnings and Cautions say “you may lose control and fall”.

Because any fall can result in serious injury or even death, we do not always

repeat the warning of possible injury or death.

Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can

occur while riding, this Manual makes no representation about the safe use

of the bicycle under all conditions. There are risks associated with the use

of any bicycle which cannot be predicted or avoided, and which are the sole

responsibility of the rider.

A special note for parents:

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for the activities and safety

of your minor child, and that includes making sure that the bicycle is properly

ﬁtted to the child; that it is in good repair and safe operating condition; that you

and your child have learned and understand the safe operation of the bicycle;

and that you and your child have learned, understand and obey not only the

applicable local motor vehicle, bicycle and trafﬁc laws, but also the common

sense rules of safe and responsible bicycling. As a parent, you should read this

manual, as well as review its warnings and the bicycle’s functions and operating

procedures with your child, before letting your child ride the bicycle.

WARNING: Make sure that your child always wears an approved

bicycle helmet when riding; but also make sure that your child

understands that a bicycle helmet is for bicycling only, and must be

removed when not riding. A helmet must not be worn while playing, in play

areas, on playground equipment, while climbing trees, or at any time while

not riding a bicycle. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious

injury or death.

WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or

other reproductive harm, including paint, lubricants, and

various metals. Wash hands thoroughly after handling

this product.

California Prop 65

1. First

NOTE: We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your rst

ride. At the very least, read and make sure that you understand each point in this

section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely

understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in

this Manual. Ask your dealer to point out the features of your bicycle.

A.Biket

1. Is your bike the right size? To check, see Section 3.A. If your bicycle is too

large or too small for you, you may lose control and fall. If your new bike is not

the right size, ask your dealer to exchange it before you ride it.

2. Is the saddle at the right height? To check, see Section 3.B. If you adjust

your saddle height, follow the Minimum Insertion instructions in Section 3.B.

3. Are saddle and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened saddle will

allow no saddle movement in any direction. See Section 3.B.

4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you? If not, see Section

3.C.

5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust

their angle and reach. See Section 3.D and 3.E.

6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your

rst ride, have your dealer explain any functions or features which you do not

understand.

B.Safetyrst

1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the

helmet manufacturer’s instructions for t, use and care.

2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment?

See Section 2. It’s your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of the

areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.

3. Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check

Section 4.A.1 to make sure. Riding with an improperly secured wheel can cause

the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious injury or

death.

4. If your bike has toeclips and straps or clipless (“step-in”) pedals, make

sure you know how they work (see Section 4.E). These pedals require special

techniques and skills. Follow the pedal manufacturer’s instructions for use,

adjustment and care.

5. Do you have “toe overlap”? On smaller framed bicycles your toe or toeclip

may be able to contact the front wheel when a pedal is all the way forward

and the wheel is turned. Read Section 4.E. to check whether you have toeclip

overlap.

6. Does your bike have suspension? If so, check Section 4.F. Suspension

can change the way a bicycle performs. Follow the suspension manufacturer’s

instructions for use, adjustment and care.

C. Mechanical Safety Check

Routinely check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.

 Nuts,boltsscrews&otherfasteners: Because manufacturers use

a wide variety of fastener sizes and shapes made in a variety of materials,

often differing by model and component, the correct tightening force or torque

cannot be generalized. To make sure that the many fasteners on your bicycle

are correctly tightened, refer to the Fastener Torque Specications in Appendix

D of this manual or to the torque specications in the instructions provided by

the manufacturer of the component in question. Correctly tightening a fastener

requires a calibrated torque wrench. A professional bicycle mechanic with a

torque wrench should torque the fasteners on you bicycle. If you choose to work

on your own bicycle, you must use a torque wrench and the correct tightening

torque specications from the bicycle or component manufacturer or from your

dealer. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the eld, we urge you to

exercise care, and to have the fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer

as soon as possible.

WARNING: Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts,

screws– on your bicycle is important. Too little force, and the

fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can

strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either way, incorrect tightening

force can result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control

and fall.

 Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or

three inches, then let it bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look

loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or

accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience

to check.

 Tires&Wheels: Make sure tires are correctly inated (see Section

4.G.1). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on the intersection of the

handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire

deection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are

correctly inated; and adjust if necessary.

 Tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread

and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike.

 Wheels true? Spin each wheel and check for brake clearance and side-to-

side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to side even slightly, or rubs against or hits

the brake pads, take the bike to a qualied bike shop to have the wheel trued.

CAUTION: Wheels must be true for rim brakes to work effectively.

Wheel trueing is a skill which requires special tools and experience.

Do not attempt to true a wheel unless you have the knowledge,

experience and tools needed to do the job correctly.

 Wheel rims clean and undamaged? Make sure the rims are clean and

undamaged at the tire bead and, if you have rim brakes, along the braking

surface. Check to make sure that any rim wear indicator marking is not visible at

any point on the wheel rim.

WARNING: Bicycle wheel rims are subject to wear. Ask your dealer

about wheel rim wear. Some wheel rims have a rim wear indicator

which becomes visible as the rim’s braking surface wears. A visible

rim wear indicator on the side of the wheel rim is an indication that the

wheel rim has reached its maximum usable life. Riding a wheel that is at the

end of its usable life can result in wheel failure, which can cause you to

loose control and fall.

 Brakes: Check the brakes for proper operation (see Sections 4.C).

Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brake quick-releases closed? All control

cables seated and securely engaged? If you have rim brakes, do the brake

pads contact the wheel rim squarely and make full contact with the rim? Do the

brakes begin to engage within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply

full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not,

your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly

adjusted by a professional bicycle mechanic.

 Wheelretentionsystem: Make sure the front and rear wheels are

correctly secured. See Section 4.A

 Seatpost: If your seat post has an over-center cam action fastener for

easy height adjustment, check that it is properly adjusted and in the locked

position. See Section 4.B.

 Handlebarandsaddlealignment: Make sure the saddle and handlebar

stem are parallel to the bike’s center line and clamped tight enough so that you

can’t twist them out of alignment. See Sections 3.B and 3.C.

 Handlebarends: Make sure the handlebar grips are secure and in good

condition. If not, have your dealer replace them. Make sure the handlebar ends

and extensions are plugged. If not, have your dealer plug them before you ride.

If the handlebars have bar end extensions, make sure they are clamped tight

enough so you can’t twist them.

WARNING: Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can

cause you to lose control and fall. Unplugged handlebars or

extensions can cut you and cause serious injury in an otherwise

minor accident.

VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE:

Please also read and become thoroughly familiar with the important

information on the lifespan of your bicycle and its components in Appendix

B on Page 43.

D. First ride

When you buckle on your helmet and go for your rst familiarization ride on

your new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other

cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the controls,

features and performance of your new bike.

Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see Section 4.C). Test

the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently applying

the brakes, rear brake rst. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake

could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock up a

wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of

what can happen when a wheel locks up.

If your bicycle has toeclips or clipless pedals, practice getting in and out of the

pedals. See paragraph B.4 above and Section 4.E.4.

If your bike has suspension, familiarize yourself with how the suspension

responds to brake application and rider weight shifts. See paragraph B.6 above

and Section 4.F.

Practice shifting the gears (see Section 4.D). Remember to never move the

shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal backwards immediately after having

moved the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the

bicycle.

Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort.

If you have any questions, or if you feel anything about the bike is not as it

should be, consult your dealer before you ride again.

2. Safety

A. The Basics

WARNING:Theareainwhichyouridemayrequirespecicsafety

devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of

the area where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws, including

properly equipping yourself and your bike as the law requires.

Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations

about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding on sidewalks, laws

regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special

bicycletrafclaws.It’syourresponsibilitytoknowandobeythelaws.

1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest

certication standards and is appropriate for the type of riding you

do. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for t,

use and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries involve

head injuries which might have been avoided if the rider had worn

an appropriate helmet.

WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious

injury or death.

2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) before you get on a

bike.

3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes (Section

4.C.); pedals (Section 4.E.); shifting (Section 4.D.)

4. Be careful to keep body parts and other objects away from the sharp teeth

of chainrings, the moving chain, the turning pedals and cranks, and the spinning

wheels of your bicycle.

5. Always wear:

• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that

shoe laces cannot get into moving parts, and never ride barefoot or in sandals.

• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the

bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of the road or trail.

• Protective eyewear, to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs — tinted

when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.

6. Don’t jump with your bike. Jumping a bike, particularly a BMX or mountain

bike, can be fun; but it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the bicycle and

its components. Riders who insist on jumping their bikes risk serious damage,

to their bicycles as well as to themselves. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt

riding or race with your bike, read and understand Section 2.F.

7. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.

B. Riding Safety

1. Obey all Rules of the Road and all local trafc laws.

2. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians

and other cyclists. Respect their rights.

3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.

4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:

• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road or your lane ahead of you, or

coming up behind you.

• Parked car doors opening.

• Pedestrians stepping out.

• Children or pets playing near the road.

• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks, expansion joints, road or sidewalk

construction, debris and other obstructions that could cause you to swerve into

trafc, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.

• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.

5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the

edge of the road as possible, in the direction of trafc ow or as directed by local

governing laws.

6. Stop at stop signs and trafc lights; slow down and look both ways at street

intersections. Remember that a bicycle always loses in a collision with a motor

vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.

7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.

8. Never ride with headphones. They mask trafc sounds and emergency

vehicle sirens, distract you from concentrating on what’s going on around you,

and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle, causing you to lose

control.

9. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved

helmet and secured in a correctly mounted child carrier or a child-carrying trailer.

10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control

of the bicycle, or which could become entangled in the moving parts of the

bicycle.

11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.

12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies,

jumps or go racing with your bike despite our advice not to, read Section 2.F,

Downhill, Stunt or Competition Biking, now. Think carefully about your skills

before deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.

13. Don’t weave through trafc or make any moves that may surprise people

with whom you are sharing the road.

14. Observe and yield the right of way.

15. Never ride your bicycle while under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.

16. If possible, avoid riding in bad weather, when visibility is obscured, at

dawn, dusk or in the dark, or when extremely tired. Each of these conditions

increases the risk of accident.

C. Off Road Safety

We recommend that children not ride on rough terrain unless they are

accompanied by an adult.

1. The variable conditions and hazards of off-road riding require close attention

and specic skills. Start slowly on easier terrain and build up your skills. If your

bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your

risk of losing control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike safely

before trying increased speed or more difcult terrain.

2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.

3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure

that someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

4. Always take along some kind of identication, so that people know who you

are in case of an accident; and take along some cash for food, a cool drink or an

emergency phone call.

5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not

frighten or endanger them, and give them enough room so that their unexpected

moves don’t endanger you.

6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding off-road, help may

not be close.

7. Before you attempt to jump, do stunt riding or race with your bike, read and

understand Section 2.F.

Off Road respect

Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride off-road, and

respect private property. You may be sharing the trail with others — hikers,

equestrians, other cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail.

Don’t contribute to erosion by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding. Don’t

disturb the ecosystem by cutting your own trail or shortcut through vegetation

or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment.

Leave things as you found them; and always take out everything you brought in.

D. Wet Weather Riding

WARNING: Wet weather impairs traction, braking and visibility, both

for the bicyclist and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an

accident is dramatically increased in wet conditions.

Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the

brakes of other vehicles sharing the road) is dramatically reduced and your tires

don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose

control. To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions,

ride more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and more gradually than you

would under normal, dry conditions. See also Section 4.C.

E. Night Riding

Riding a bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A

bicyclist is very difcult for motorists and pedestrians to see. Therefore, children

should never ride at dawn, at dusk or at night. Adults who chose to accept the

greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or at night need to take extra

care both riding and choosing specialized equipment which helps reduce that

risk. Consult your dealer about night riding safety equipment.

WARNING:Reectorsarenotasubstituteforrequiredlights.Riding

at dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of poor visibility without

anadequatebicyclelightingsystemandwithoutreectorsis

dangerous and may result in serious injury or death.

Bicycle reectors are designed to pick up and reect car lights and street lights

in a way that may help you to be seen and recognized as a moving bicyclist.

CAUTION:Checkreectorsandtheirmountingbracketsregularlyto

make sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken and securely

mounted.Haveyourdealerreplacedamagedreectorsand

straighten or tighten any that are bent or loose.

The mounting brackets of front and rear reectors are often designed as brake

straddle cable safety catches which prevent the straddle cable from catching on

the tire tread if the cable jumps out of its yoke or breaks.

WARNING:Donotremovethefrontorrearreectorsorreector

brackets from your bicycle. They are an integral part of the bicycle’s

safety system.

 Removingthereectorsreduces your visibility to others using the

roadway. Being struck by other vehicles may result in serious injury or

death.

 Thereectorbracketsmayprotectyoufromabrakestraddlecable

catching on the tire in the event of brake cable failure. If a brake straddle

cable catches on the tire, it can cause the wheel to stop suddenly, causing

you to loose control and fall.

If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure

you comply with all local laws about night riding, and take the following strongly

recommended additional precautions:

• Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which

meet all regulatory requirements and provide adequate visibility.

• Wear light colored, reective clothing and accessories, such as a reective

vest, reective arm and leg bands, reective stripes on your helmet, ashing

lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reective device or light

source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists,

pedestrians and other trafc.

• Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle does

not obstruct a reector or light.

• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with correctly positioned and

securely mounted reectors.

While riding at dawn, at dusk or at night:

• Ride slowly.

• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving trafc.

• Avoid road hazards.

• If possible, ride on familiar routes.

If riding in trafc:

• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your

movements.

• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.

• If you plan to ride in trafc often, ask your dealer about trafc safety classes

or a good book on bicycle trafc safety.

F. Extreme, stunt or competition riding

Whether you call it Aggro, Hucking, Freeride, North Shore, Downhill, Jumping,

Stunt Riding, Racing or something else: if you engage in this sort of extreme,

aggressive riding you will get hurt, and you voluntarily assume a greatly

increased risk of injury or death.

Not all bicycles are designed for these types of riding, and those that are may

not be suitable for all types of aggressive riding. Check with your dealer or the

bicycle’s manufacturer about the suitability of your bicycle before engaging in

extreme riding.

When riding fast down hill, you can reach speeds achieved by motorcycles,

and therefore face similar hazards and risks. Have your bicycle and equipment

carefully inspected by a qualied mechanic and be sure it is in perfect condition.

Consult with expert riders, area site personnel and race ofcials on conditions

and equipment advisable at the site where you plan to ride. Wear appropriate

safety gear, including an approved full face helmet, full nger gloves, and body

armor. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to have proper equipment and to be

familiar with course conditions.

WARNING: Although many catalogs, advertisements and articles

about bicycling depict riders engaged in extreme riding, this activity

is extremely dangerous, increases your risk of injury or death, and

increases the severity of any injury. Remember that the action depicted is

being performed by professionals with many years of training and

experience. Know your limits and always wear a helmet and other

appropriate safety gear. Even with state-of-the-art protective safety gear,

you could be seriously injured or killed when jumping, stunt riding, riding

downhill at speed or in competition.

WARNING: Bicycles and bicycle parts have limitations with regard to

strength and integrity, and this type of riding can exceed those

limitations.

We recommend against this type of riding because of the increased risks; but if

you choose to take the risk, at least:

• Take lessons from a competent instructor rst

• Start with easy learning exercises and slowly develop your skills before trying

more difcult or dangerous riding

• Use only designated areas for stunts, jumping, racing or fast downhill riding

• Wear a full face helmet, safety pads and other safety gear

• Understand and recognize that the stresses imposed on your bike by this

kind of activity may break or damage parts of the bicycle and void the warranty

• Take your bicycle to your dealer if anything breaks or bends. Do not ride your

bicycle when any part is damaged.

If you ride downhill at speed, do stunt riding or ride in competition, know the

limits of your skill and experience. Ultimately, avoiding injury is your responsibility.

G. `Changing Components or Adding Accessories

There are many components and accessories available to enhance the

comfort, performance and appearance of your bicycle. However, if you change

components or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s

manufacturer may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility,

reliability or safety on your bicycle. Before installing any component or accessory,

including a different size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your bicycle by

checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions

that accompany the products you purchase for your bicycle. See also Appendix

A, p. 35 and B, p. 41.

WARNING:Failuretoconrmcompatibility,properlyinstall,operate

and maintain any component or accessory can result in serious injury

or death.

WARNING: Changing the components on your bike with other than

genuine replacement parts may compromise the safety of your

bicycle and may void the warranty. Check with your dealer before

changing the components on your bike.

3. Fit

NOTE:Correcttisanessentialelementofbicyclingsafety,performance

and comfort. Making the adjustments to your bicycle which result in

correcttforyourbodyandridingconditionsrequiresexperience,skill

and special tools. Always have your dealer make the adjustments on your

bicycle; or, if you have the experience, skill and tools, have your dealer

check your work before riding.

WARNING:Ifyourbicycledoesnottproperly,youmaylosecontrol

andfall.Ifyournewbikedoesn’tt,askyourdealertoexchangeit

before you ride it.

A. Standover height

1. Diamond frame bicycles

Standover height is the basic element of bike t (see ). It is the distance from

the ground to the top of the bicycle’s frame at that point where your crotch is

when straddling the bike. To check for

correct standover height, straddle the bike

while wearing the kind of shoes in which

you’ll be riding, and bounce vigorously

on your heels. If your crotch touches the

frame, the bike is too big for you. Don’t

even ride the bike around the block. A bike

which you ride only on paved surfaces

and never take off-road should give you

a minimum standover height clearance of

two inches (5 cm). A bike that you’ll ride

on unpaved surfaces should give you

a minimum of three inches (7.5 cm) of

standover height clearance. And a bike that

you’ll use off road should give you four inches (10 cm) or more of clearance.

2. Step-through frame bicycles

Standover height does not apply to bicycles with step-through frames. Instead,

the limiting dimension is determined by saddle height range. You must be able to

adjust your saddle position as described in B without exceeding the limits set by

the height of the top of the seat tube and the ”Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum

Extension” mark on the seat post.

B. Saddle position

Correct saddle adjustment is an important factor in getting the most

performance and comfort from your bicycle. If the saddle position is not

comfortable for you, see your dealer.

The saddle can be adjusted in three directions:

1. Up and down adjustment. To check for correct saddle height (g. 3):

• sit on the saddle;

• place one heel on a pedal;

• rotate the crank until the pedal with your heel on it is in the down position and

the crank arm is parallel to the seat tube.

If your leg is not completely straight, your saddle height needs to be adjusted.

If your hips must rock for the heel to reach the pedal, the saddle is too high. If

your leg is bent at the knee with your heel

on the pedal, the saddle is too low.

Ask your dealer to set the saddle for

your optimal riding position and to show

you how to make this adjustment. If you

choose to make your own saddle height

adjustment:

 loosen the seat post clamp

 raise or lower the seat post in the

seat tube

 make sure the saddle is straight fore

and aft

 re-tighten the seat post clamp to the

recommended torque (Appendix D or the

manufacturer’s instructions).

Once the saddle is at the correct height, make

sure that the seat post does not project from the

frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum

Extension” mark (g. 4).

NOTE: Some bicycles have a sight hole in the seat

tube, the purpose of which is to make it easy to see

whether the seat post is inserted in the seat tube far

enough to be safe. If your bicycle has such a sight

hole, use it instead of the “Minimum Insertion” or

“Maximum Extension” mark to make sure the seat

post is inserted in the seat tube far enough to be

visible through the sight hole.

If your bike has an interrupted seat tube, as is

the case on some suspension bikes, you must also

make sure that the seat post is far enough into the

frame so that you can touch it through the bottom of

the interrupted seat tube with the tip of your nger

without inserting your nger beyond its rst knuckle.

Also see NOTE above and g. 5).

WARNING: If your seat post is not inserted

in the seat tube as described in B.1 above,

the seat post may break, which could

cause you to lose control and fall.

2. Front and back adjustment. The saddle can be adjusted forward or back to

help you get the optimal position on the bike. Ask your dealer to set the saddle for

your optimal riding position and to show you how to make this adjustment. If you

choose to make your own front and back adjustment, make sure that the clamp

mechanism is clamping on the straight part of the saddle rails and is not touching

the curved part of the rails, and that you are using the recommended torque on

the clamping fastener(s) (Appendix D or the manufacturer’s instructions).

3. Saddle angle adjustment. Most people prefer a horizontal saddle; but some

riders like the saddle nose angled up or down just a little. Your dealer can adjust

saddle angle or teach you how to do it. If you choose to make your own saddle

angle adjustment and you have a single bolt saddle clamp on your seat post, it

is critical that you loosen the clamp bolt sufciently to allow any serrations on the

mechanism to disengage before changing the saddle’s angle, and then that the

serrations fully re-engage before you tighten the clamp bolt to the recommended

torque (Appendix D or the manufacturer’s instructions).

WARNING: When making saddle angle adjustments with a single bolt

saddle clamp, always check to make sure that the serrations on the

mating surfaces of the clamp are not worn. Worn serrations on the

clamp can allow the saddle to move, causing you to lose control and fall.

Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that are too tight

can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can move and fatigue.

Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the bolt, causing you to lose

control and fall.

Note: If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension seat post, the

suspension mechanism may require periodic service or maintenance. Ask

your dealer for recommended service intervals for your suspension seat

post.

Small changes in saddle position can have a substantial effect on

performance and comfort. To nd your best saddle position, make only one

adjustment at a time.

WARNING: After any saddle adjustment, be sure that the saddle

adjusting mechanism is properly seated and tightened before riding.

A loose saddle clamp or seat post clamp can cause damage to the

seat post, or can cause you to lose control and fall. A correctly tightened

saddle adjusting mechanism will allow no saddle movement in any

direction. Periodically check to make sure that the saddle adjusting

mechanism is properly tightened.

If, in spite of carefully adjusting the saddle height, tilt and fore-and-aft position,

your saddle is still uncomfortable, you may need a different saddle design.

Saddles, like people, come in many different shapes, sizes and resilience. Your

dealer can help you select a saddle which, when correctly adjusted for your body

and riding style, will be comfortable.

WARNING: Some people have claimed that extended riding with a

saddle which is incorrectly adjusted or which does not support your

pelvic area correctly can cause short-term or long-term injury to

nerves and blood vessels, or even impotence. If your saddle causes you

pain, numbness or other discomfort, listen to your body and stop riding

until you see your dealer about saddle adjustment or a different saddle.

C.Handlebarheightandangle

Your bike is equipped either with a “threadless”

stem, which clamps on to the outside of the steerer

tube, or with a “quill” stem, which clamps inside the

steerer tube by way of an expanding binder bolt. If

you aren’t absolutely sure which type of stem your

bike has, ask your dealer.

If your bike has a “threadless” stem (g. 6) your

dealer may be able to change handlebar height by

moving height adjustment spacers from below the

stem to above the stem, or vice versa. Otherwise,

you’ll have to get a stem of different length or rise.

Consult your dealer. Do not attempt to do this

yourself, as it requires special knowledge.

If your bike has a “quill” stem (g. 7) you can ask

your dealer to adjust the handlebar height a bit by

adjusting stem height.

A quill stem has an etched or stamped mark on its shaft which designates the

stem’s “Minimum Insertion” or “Maximum Extension”. This mark must not be

visible above the headset.

WARNING: A quill stem’s Minimum Insertion Mark must not be

visible above the top of the headset. If the stem is extended beyond

the Minimum Insertion Mark the stem may break or damage the fork’s

steerer tube, which could cause you to lose control and fall.

WARNING: On some bicycles, changing the stem or stem height can

affect the tension of the front brake cable, locking the front brake or

creating excess cable slack which can make the front brake

inoperable. If the front brake pads move in towards the wheel rim or out

away from the wheel rim when the stem or stem height is changed, the

brakes must be correctly adjusted before you ride the bicycle.

Some bicycles are equipped with an adjustable angle stem. If your bicycle

has an adjustable angle stem, ask your dealer to show you how to adjust if. Do

not attempt to make the adjustment yourself, as changing stem angle may also

require adjustments to the bicycle’s controls.

WARNING: Always tighten fasteners to the correct torque. Bolts that

are too tight can stretch and deform. Bolts that are too loose can

move and fatigue. Either mistake can lead to a sudden failure of the

bolt, causing you to lose control and fall.

Your dealer can also change the angle of the handlebar or bar end extensions.

WARNING:Aninsufcientlytightenedstemclampbolt,handlebar

clamp bolt or bar end extension clamping bolt may compromise

steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Place

the front wheel of the bicycle between your legs and attempt to twist the

handlebar/stem assembly. If you can twist the stem in relation to the front

wheel, turn the handlebars in relation to the stem, or turn the bar end

extensionsinrelationtothehandlebar,theboltsareinsufciently

tightened.

D. Control position adjustments

The angle of the brake and shift control levers and their position on the

handlebars can be changed. Ask your dealer to make the adjustments for you.

If you choose to make your own control lever angle adjustment, be sure to re-

tighten the clamp fasteners to the recommended torque (Appendix D or the

manufacturer’s instructions).

E. Brake reach

Many bikes have brake levers which can be adjusted for reach. If you have

small hands or nd it difcult to squeeze the brake levers, your dealer can either

adjust the reach or t shorter reach brake levers.

WARNING: The shorter the brake lever reach, the more critical it is to

have correctly adjusted brakes, so that full braking power can be

applied within available brake lever travel. Brake lever travel

insufcienttoapplyfullbrakingpowercanresultinlossofcontrol,which

may result in serious injury or death.

4. Tech

It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to understand how

things work on your bicycle. We urge you to ask your dealer how to do the

things described in this section before you attempt them yourself, and that you

have your dealer check your work before you ride the bike. If you have even the

slightest doubt as to whether you understand something in this section of the

Manual, talk to your dealer. See also Appendix A, B, C and D.

A. Wheels

Bicycle wheels are designed to be removable for easier transportation and for

repair of a tire puncture. In most cases, the wheel axles are inserted into slots,

called “dropouts” in the fork and frame, but some suspension mountain bikes use

what is called a “through axle” wheel mounting system.

If you have a mountain bike equipped with through axle front or rear

wheels, make sure that your dealer has given you the manufacturer’s

instructions, and follow those when installing or removing a through axle

wheel. If you don’t know what a through axle is, ask your dealer.

Wheels are secured in one of three ways:

• A hollow axle with a shaft (“skewer”) running through it which has an

adjustable tension nut on one end and an over-center cam on the other (cam

action system, g.8 a & b)

• A hollow axle with a shaft (“skewer”) running through it which has a nut on

one end and a tting for a hex key, lock lever or other tightening device on the

other (through bolt, g. 9)

• Hex nuts or hex key bolts which are threaded on to or into the hub axle (bolt-

on wheel, g. 10)

Your bicycle may be equipped with a different securing method for the front

wheel than for the rear wheel. Discuss the wheel securing method for your

bicycle with your dealer.

It is very important that you understand the type of wheel securing

method on your bicycle, that you know how to secure the wheels correctly,

and that you know how to apply the correct clamping force that safely

secures the wheel. Ask your dealer to instruct you in correct wheel removal

and installation, and ask him to give you any available manufacturer’s

instructions.

WARNING: Riding with an improperly secured wheel can allow the

wheel to wobble or fall off the bicycle, which can cause serious injury

or death. Therefore, it is essential that you:

1. Ask your dealer to help you make sure you know how to install and

remove your wheels safely.

2. Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your wheel

in place.

3. Each time, before you ride the bike, check that the wheel is securely

clamped.

The clamping action of a correctly secured wheel must emboss the

surfaces of the dropouts.

1. Front Wheel Secondary Retention Devices

Most bicycles have front forks which utilize a secondary wheel retention

device to reduce the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork if the wheel is

incorrectly secured. Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correctly

securing your front wheel.

Secondary retention devices fall into two basic categories:

a. The clip-on type is a part which the manufacturer adds to the front wheel

hub or front fork.

b. The integral type is molded, cast or machined into the outer faces of the

front fork dropouts.

Ask your dealer to explain the particular secondary retention device on your

bike.

WARNING: Do not remove or disable the secondary retention device.

As its name implies, it serves as a back-up for a critical adjustment. If

the wheel is not secured correctly, the secondary retention device

can reduce the risk of the wheel disengaging from the fork. Removing or

disabling the secondary retention device may also void the warranty.

Secondary retention devices are not a substitute for correctly securing

your wheel. Failure to properly secure the wheel can cause the wheel to

wobble or disengage, which could cause you to loose control and fall,

resulting in serious injury or death.

2. Wheels with cam action systems

There are currently two types of over-center cam wheel retention

mechanisms: the traditional over-center cam (g. 8a) and the cam-and-cup

system (g. 8b). Both use an over-center cam action to clamp the bike’s wheel in

place. Your bicycle may have a cam-and-cup front wheel retention system and a

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Nirve Cruiser Owner's manual

Brand: Nirve

Model: Cruiser

Category: Bicycles

Type: Owner's manual

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Nirve Cruiser Owner's manual

Nirve Cruiser Owner's manual

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